Restorativeness

Restorative approach

The concept of restorativeness is not unambiguous, but whatever the discipline, the definition of restorativeness reflects the same basic principles: restorativeness is about meeting, listening, integrating interpersonal relationships and strengthening social skills. Interaction, dialogue and the search for common solutions lead to empowerment, learning and responsibility, and peace between individuals and within communities.

Mediation based on a restorative approach, which is a conflict management procedure that takes into account relationships, emotions and needs. The restorative approach emphasises a positive process based on encounter, discussion and cooperation, with the aim of increasing understanding between the parties. The parties are respected as experts in their own conflict and the central idea is to restore the past to the parties concerned so that they themselves can play an active role in the resolution of their case. The aim is to repair broken relationships and agree on reparation and how to proceed in order to avoid a recurrence of the conflict.

The Finnish model of mediation in schools and educational institutions is part of the European model of restorative justice for those working with children and young people. Open from the link European Model for Restorative Juvenile Justice with Children and Young People -The reports of the restorative action research project, which provide a good insight into the origins, models and experiences of restorative action.

Through mediation, the educational field is linked to the wider family of Finnish mediation and to the conflict management activities of our society. Conflict mediation for children and young people takes place not only in schools and educational institutions, but also on the streets, in neighbourhoods, and in the nationwide crime and dispute mediation system. Mediation skills learned early in kindergarten or school have been shown to reduce disruptive behaviour and to model positive social conflict management in later life.

A wide range of information on restorative justice theory, practice and research findings can be found in the European European Forum for Restorative Justice from the website.